Match Preview: Manchester Central Reserves v Moorside Rangers

Manchester Central Reserves return to action this week as they welcome Moorside Rangers to the Manchester College in the second round of the Manchester FA Amateur Cup.

Central have not played since October 13, where two goals from Olly Wright helped them to a 4-2 victory over Atherton Town ‘A’ in the league. They are now unbeaten in five matches and should be full of confidence ahead of their first cup match of the season.

Bill Prendergast’s side sit fourth in the Division Four table but face a team two leagues above them on Saturday. So will have to be at their best if they are going to progress into the next round.

Despite the quality Central will be up against, they can take some comfort from the fact they have already beaten Moorside Rangers reserves 5-1 in the league.

Central have also amassed an impressive record at home so far this season, with four wins and 28 goals to their name and will be confident of causing an upset.

Moorside play their football in Division Two where they are currently in seventh place, and are also in good form after a 10-2 victory over Hindley Juniors in their last match.

Kaden Goodman has 11 goals in just nine games and is a player Central will have to look out for.

However in Jazzie Marong Central have some firepower of their own. He has eight goals to his name, four of which came in the 12-0 thrashing of Astley & Tyldesley in the opening game of the season.

Central’s Reserves can take inspiration from the first team winning in the cup last weekend, a success they will be hoping to emulate.

The team was formed in 1928 by Manchester City Director, John Ayrton and the owner of Belle Vue, John Iles. The club was re-formed in 2015 under its original name Manchester Central. It plays competitive football at the Manchester Regional Arena and Ten Acres Lane and has subsequently joined the non-league pyramid.